Jamie Cullum - Twentysomething - Verve

Welcome to the shape of jazz to come. He is pianist and
singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum, currently one of a handful
of “twentysomething” “jazz” artists
interpreting pop songs old and new, and writing originals
on his own unique terms. Cullum’s album Twentysomething,
and his charismatic, energetic shows land him in the States
as a bonafide UK superstar. Superstardom in the UK rarely
assures success in the States (ask the Smiths and Robbie
Williams about that), however, early stateside reviews of
Cullum’s new album and his sensational stage show
are pointing towards something new and interesting coming
our way.

Standing tall at 5 foot 4 inches, the 24 year old Cullum
is not afraid to take risks on his album or during his shows.
He recently opened a concert with covers of Cole Porter’s
“I Get A Kick Out Of You,” and “Frontin’”
by The Neptunes. Before he launched into his imaginative
heart wrenching cover of Jeff Buckley’s “Lover,
You Should’ve Come Over” (all three songs are
on his album) he referred to the Porter/Neptune opening
salvo as “classic pop songs separated by thirty years.”

With a background in jazz and classical music, Cullum is
an obvious lover of music and his choice of eclectic covers
like “High And Dry” by Radiohead, “Hendrix’s
“Wind Cries Mary,” Lerner and Loewe’s
“I Could Have Danced All Night,” and “Singin’
In The Rain” are exploding with creativity. The reflective
jazzy spins on his wide ranging choice of covers are second
only to his witty originals like the album’s title
track, “All At Sea,” and “Next Year, Baby.”

With a band that's not afraid to hit the groove or flirt
with whimsy, Jamie Cullum is an exciting new talent. He’ll
charm you in his Black high-top Converse sneakers, his pixie-ish
good looks and his Billy Joel-esque vocals. If any part
of the music lover in you enjoys Steely Dan, Norah Jones,
Joel and yes, dare I say even the pop side of Harry Connick
then Cullum’s album is worth checking out. And if
you come to this party favoring the originals of some of
the artists Cullum covers like Radiohead and Hendrix and
Jeff Buckley, then you might be surprised by Cullum’s
confident verve.